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The owner of Carpetways, in Carlisle and Dumfries, has pledged gifts worth £4,000 to the News & Star Christmas Toy Appeal.

He has also promised to stage a children’s party at a Carlisle venue with disco, food, drink ... and a visit from his pal Father Christmas.

“I wanted to pledge my support for this worthwhile appeal because it seems to me too many kids will be missing out on Christmas this year,” said Phil, who lives in south west Scotland.

“Christmas should be a time of excitement for youngsters but for all sorts of reasons, way outside of their control, too many won’t be getting much at all.”

The News & Star appeal is running in conjunction with Cash For Kids Mission Christmas and aims to ensure that no Cumbrian child wakes on Christmas morning without a present to unwrap.

We are asking readers to donate new and unwrapped toys, suitable for youngsters aged from infancy to 18-years-old, at drop-off points marked by our distinctive posters.

Phil’s is our first donation from the business community.

“I’ll be having some help,” he said. “My wife Florry and our four children are lending a hand with the choosing and shopping one day next week. After that, it’s over to Santa Claus to do the rest.

“Yes, £4,000 does buy a lot of toys. But there are a lot of children with not much at all to look forward to this year. And Christmas is about sharing, isn’t it?”

Our appeal is being supported by newsagents across Cumbria who are displaying appeal posters and collecting gifts on our behalf.

Toys, books, games, selection boxes, boxes and tins of sweets can also be dropped off at News & Star offices in Dalston Road and Bank Street, Carlisle and the town centre offices of the Workington Times & Star and the Whitehaven News.

In addition, gifts can be left at Carlisle’s Asda, London Road; Sainsbury’s Caldewgate store; Tesco at Rosehill and Victoria Viaduct and Morrisons, Scotland Road.